Get your list of what to read, listen, eat and watch from the proven experts in the field.

Faces in the Water by Janet Frame This story of a woman trapped in a psychiatric institution in the late ’50s is beautifully written. Frame juxtaposes words with a voice completely her own and her characters are all wonderfully drawn.

Midnight’s Children by Salman RushdieI was in my teens when I first read this, and I was completely captivated. It was so brave and bold, the ideas and the characters so vivid. Living in New Zealand at the time, I was excited by how Indians could be portrayed with such originality.

L'Etranger (The Stranger) by Albert Camus I read this book (in French), about a Frenchman in Algeria, in my teens. I have gone back to it many times since. Camus’ beautiful use of language, and the way he conveys the desolate sense of being an outsider, is wonderful.

The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon This book is written with humour and compassion from the point of view of a boy who sees the world through the lens of Asperger’s syndrome. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky I love this book. It is so acutely observed, so carefully written. Myshkin's relationships, as he enters St Petersburg society, are written so wonderfully, that they come alive and are fascinating.

Listen: Mansi Scott, singer

Stereotomy by The Alan Parsons Project When my father first took me into the wonderful world of Alan Parsons, I did not know that he had once been an engineer at Abbey Road and had assisted in engineering the Beatles album, among others. Stereotomy has stayed with me since. The way he brings in each sound, lyrics and passionate singing of John Miles gives me goose flesh!

A Little Too Much by Natasha Beddingfield I first heard this song as part of the movie Something Borrowed’s soundtrack. And as the credits rolled, and the song began, I ended up playing that part of the DVD over and over. Lyrically, this song made so much sense to me.

Mora Saiyyan by Fuzon I discovered Fuzon with this song. I fell in love with the voice of Shafkat Amaanat Ali. These are vocal runs that only he can deliver. Play dead by Bjork She is an artiste who has the ability to help you express what you are and who you are. She wrote Play Dead... for the movie, The Young Americans. Her voice and lyrics with that distinctive style just blew me away. Play Dead, for me, is fantastic till date, and unforgettable in all its angst.

Bas Ek Pal by KKMostly, I fall in love with songs that have, for me, incredibly insightful lyrics. Add to that perfect music and sung by an incredible voice, it is gold. I can hear this song on loop.

Eat: Conrad Dsouza, Head Chef, Pali Village Cafe

Indigo Deli (Colaba)For the Beef Tenderloin Burger and Mushroom and Brie Sandwich. The beef patty is nice and juicy, and is done to perfection. The mushroom and brie compliment each other very well. It shows Chef Jaydeep’s touch.

Sarvi Restaurant (Nagpada-Bombay Central)For their seekh kebabs — they’re the best in the city. Succulent, juicy and tender, with just the right amount of spices. Try it with their crisp rotis and fresh mint leaves.

Salt Water Café (Bandra) The Porcini Seared Chicken Legs here are one of my favourites. One does not need a knife to cut these, it’s so tender. Plus the onions and roasted potatoes add that extra zing to this dish. Chef Manoj is a class act.

Jai Hind Lunch Home (Pali Naka) It’s a bonus since it is opposite my café. I end up eating here at least twice a week. Their neer dosas with prawn gassi, teesriya masala and bheja are yummy.

'5' The Restaurant (Santa Cruz)This quaint little eatery has been a favourite for years now, the Cajun Chicken, Bacon-wrapped Prawns and Banana Flip Torte are just splendid. Plus, Roy and Chef Moy add that special element to the overall experience.

Watch: Madhur Bhandarkar, director

Guide (1965) The film is a masterpiece. From the way it was picturised, its timeless songs, Vijay Anand’s direction and, last but not the least, Dev saab’s performance, everything was perfect. The film was way ahead of its times. And that’s why we still remember it.

The Godfather (1972) Of course, it is a cult film. Francis Ford Coppola showed what style and stylish films mean. And who can forget Marlon Brando’s performance. For me, it will remain the mother of all gangster films.

Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) Manmohan Desai at his best. Although I am biased towards realistic films, I loved the way the film was handled in every department. All the characters and screenplay stood out.

Sholay (1975) A classic. The way it was shot, along with superb performances by each and every actor, besides the dialogues, make it a completely enjoyable film. It will always stand the test of the time.

A Wednesday (2008) A gripping film. When I watched it, I wasn’t expecting a lot, but it blew my mind. With a completely new concept, the film is a true edge-of-the-seat thriller and has some very real and relatable performances.